Big day today. John arrives later on in Ponferrada so Mo is staying here to wait for him and I am going on. This gives them some time together and for john to acclimatise. I'm looking forward to tackling some of the camino alone although today will be cushioned by setting off with Ruth.
Left Mo with Sue Kenney's book - Me and my camino - or something? We met her yesterday doing the camino backwards not knowing she was a writer. Found the book at the refuge. She was burning buffalo sage in a shell which she brought from Alberta. We should have benefitted from the experience of inhaling the smoke - cleansing of body, mind, spirit and all that.
11am Ruth and I have done about 10km and have arrived in Camponaraya where there is a free WiFi zone so can update as you go! Good excuse for a rest! Bought first crop cherries on the way from a street seller and have now got to eat them all to avoid carrying further. Have come through lots of productive Market gardens but so far today all Tarmac. Plays hell with the knees. Unusual for Spain,ore reminiscent of France.
We've passed the 200km left to do mark!
Albergue is tops! rooms (cabins) for 2 people only and no bunks! Hurrah! All very practically built around the church.
The routine in this hot weather is to walk till about 2pm. Usually off by 8am and several stops for coffee, rests etc. Then shower and clothes wash - everything you've been wearing cos it is so sweaty. Most of the Albergues have a row of stone sinks outside with cold water and built in washboards for scrubbing. My nan would be impressed at my tecnique.
Had Pulpo (Octopus) for dinner.
John arrived from Irun after a marathon train journey from Hebden Bridge to Ponferrada via a couchette overnight from Paris. Really good to see him. Now he begins the walk. Will be a day behind Jenny but hope to catch up. Spent Thursday heading off to Villafranca but stopped at Cacabelos. Couldn´t resist the two person cabin in an eco building in the grounds of the church with solar heated showers. Decided to leave at 5.30am and join the early risers because the heat is in intolerable in the afternoon. Could barely move today. John a bit aprehensive about walking but so far managed first day. Mo
Hi Mo, Hi John (guess you have joined?), Hi Jenny (i'm John's cousin, think we may have briefly met at Mo's birthday bash) - this trip is all v inspiring, am thinking about doing the same or similar, so will be over in Hebden Bridge some time, looking for a complete debrief and all the hints you can muster. Best of luck for remainder of the journey. Alan
ReplyDeleteI still have the socks I bought in the outdoor shop in Ponferrada. On the way out I was met by a Spanish Jehovah's Witness! There's no escape ...
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